4

FACTORS AFFECTING
CLIMATE
(Latitude and Altitude)

Latitude
Latitude

refers to horizontal imaginary lines that

circle the Earth parallel to the equator. Latitude
is used together with longitude to specify the
precise location of features on the surface of the
Earth.

Latitude
Sunlight

hits Earths surface at varying angles due

to Earths shape. Since Earths shape is an oblate
spheroid, the angle at which the suns rays strike
Earth varies from region to region.

Latitude

Latitude
Therefore,

when the area is farther from the

equator, the air temperature is lower resulting to
colder climate. When the place is closer to the
equator, the temperature is higher resulting to
warmer climate.

Altitude
Altitude

refers to how high a region is from the

sea level.

The

air temperature decreases as altitude

increases. Places with higher altitude/elevations
have cold climates.

Altitude
Mt. Kilimanjaro is located
in Africa and found near
the equator. It stands
5895m above sea level.
The peak of this mountain
is covered with ice. How is
it possible?

Altitude
Why is it that during summer many people visit
Baguio City?
Why do mountain climbers wear jackets and thick
clothes when they go up the mountain?